Apparatus for the spindleless spinning of textile fibers

ABSTRACT

Spindleless twisting apparatus employing a rotating open face spinning chamber provided with a coaxially arranged outlet through which the spun thread is pulled from its binding or splicing point on the wall of the chamber. The outlet is provided at, at least its end, adjacent the chamber and arranged sequentially in the direction of travel of the thread, at first deflecting zone, with a frictional contact or rubbing zone, followed immediately thereafter with at least one additional deflecting zone.

D United States Patent 1 1 11 1 9,597

Schon Feb. 5, 1974 APPARATUS FOR THE SPINDLELESS 3,404,523 10/1968 Kubovy et al 57/5s.s9 S I I G 0 TEXTILE FIBERS 3,440,812 4/1969 Stary et a] 57/58.89 3,640,061 2/1972 Landwehrkamp.. 57/58.89 [75] In Rudolf Schtm, Stuttgart, Germany 1127,499 10/1972 lsomura 57/5s.s9

[73] Assignee: SKF Kugellagerfabriken GmbH,

s h i f n Germany Primary Examiner-Donald E. Watkins Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Murray Schaffer [22] Filed: June 20, 1972 [21] App]. No.: 264,529 57 ABSTRACT Spindleless twisting apparatus employing a rotating [30] Foreign Application Priority Data open face spinning chamber provided with a coaxially June 21, 1971 Germany P 21 30 722.2 arranged cutict through Which the p thread is pulled from its binding or splicing point on the wall of [52] US. Cl. 57/58.89 the chamber- The outlet 55 Provided at, at least its 51 1111. C1. D0lh 7/00, DOlh 1/12 adjacent the chamber and arranged Scquetttially in the [58]- Field of Search 57/58'89-5895 direction of travel of the thread, at first deflecting 1 zone, with a frictional contact or rubbing zone, fol- [56] References Cit d lowed immediately thereafter with at least one addi P tional deflecting zone.

10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 3,210,923 10/1965, Schlosser ..57/58.95

APPARATUS FOR THE SPINDLELESS SPINNING OF TEXTILE FIBERS BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus for spinning and twisting yarn and in particular to fiber twisting apparatus employing a rotating turbine having an open end face spinning chamber.

Twisting apparatus of the type under discussion employs an open face turbine or rotor having a spinning chamber located in an enclosed housing. The fibers are fed through an elongated tube onto the wall of the spinning chamber where they are twisted together to form an endless yarn or thread. The thread is withdrawn through an outlet opening arranged coaxially with the turbine and offset from the wall of the spinning chamber, so that the yarn is given a twist as it is withdrawn. The outlet may be simply a hole in the housing wall or it may be a tubular insert set into the hole. In the German patent publication DOS 1,806,054 there is disclosed such a device as hereinbefore described, in which the fibers are bound together into a thread on the wall of the rotating spinning chamber by giving the thread a false twist while simultaneously attempting to prevent the return migration of the fibers of the release of the twist, by swinging the yarn. Experience has shown, however, that the intended results are not always achieved nor are the desired degree of twist obtained with the known devices. A great many of the breakdowns occuring in the conventional twisting apparatus are directly traced to swinging of the thread.

Starting from this level of the prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for twisting or spinning yarn or thread.

It is another object of the present invention to provide improved means for twisting thread employing open faced spinning turbines which overcome the disadvantages and defects of the prior art.

It is another object of the present device to provide means for an open face spinning chamber which sufficiently twists the thread and provides it with sufficient resiliency at the point of bind or splicing on the wall of the spinning chamber, yet prevents the twist from unravelling or releasing.

These objects, others and numerous advantages will be observed from the following disclosure of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention spindleless twisting apparatus employing a rotating open face spinning chamber is provided with a coaxially arranged outlet through which the spun thread is pulled from its binding or splicing point on the wall of the chamber. The outlet is provided at, at least its end, adjacent the chamher and arranged sequentially in the direction of travel of the thread with a first deflecting zone, a frictional contact or rubbing zone, followed immediately thereafter with at least one additional deflecting zone. In this arrangement the frictional rubbing surfaces act to twist the yarn in the desired manner while the deflecting surfaces act toprevent the yarn from swinging or vibrat- Full details of the present invention will be seen from the following disclosure and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section through a tubular insert for a thread outlet embodying the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a second embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of a device similar to that seen in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a vertical section of a separable outlet de vice comprising an elongated tube having inserts at both ends;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a twisting apparatus, showing the device of FIG. 5 in use; and

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3 showing still another modification of the present device.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION As seen in FIG. 1, the present invention is shown embodied in an insert which may be force fit or retained by conventional fastening means in the end of an outlet hole or tube in an open face spinning and twisting apparatus. The device seen in the figure comprises a head 10, and a shallow conical shaft 12 formed with a central axial bore of different diameters. In the head lo the insert is made with four annular edges, of which two namely the edges 14 and 16 are smooth, sharp and serve as deflecting surfaces or zones changing angularly the direction of travel of the thread drawn substantially normal or perpendicularly across them. The second pair of edges, namely edges 18 and 20 are flat and wide having comb like teeth forming a frictional rubbing surface with which the thread comes into contact. These teeth serve to twist the thread and form a sufficient contact surface for the frictional engagement necessary to this object.

A sufficient twist is imparted to the thread as it passes over the frictional rubbing surfaces 18 and 20 and as the fiber moves from the twisting chamber the thread is caused to entrap loose fibers, etc. found in the chamber. The smooth edges 14 and I6 serve to deflect or bend the thread during its course of travel and prevent it from swinging, vibrating or oscillating, particularly back into the spinning chamber. This latter is most desireable since the vibration of the thread would irregularly change the position of the binding or twisting point of the thread on the wall of the spinning chamber resulting in the formation of an irregular thread and in possibly yarn or thread breakage.

In FIG. 2 there is seen an insert device similar to that of FIG. I wherein only one frictional rubbing edge 20 is provided. In contradistinction to the device FIG. I The device of FIG. 2 has a third smooth sharp edge 22 in addition to the two edges 14 and 16 which are similar to those found in the device of FIG. 1. A further distinction is noted that in the device of FIG. 2 the annular surfaces joining the edges are flat cylindrical sections while in FIG. 1 these surfaces are domed or curved. Either version may be empolyed as desired.

A further advantageous feature of subject invention may be gathered from FIG. 3 which shows an enlarged portion of a device similar to that of FIG. 2. In FIG. 3 it is to be noted that the edges 14, I6, 20 and 22 are so arranged that the angular deviation of the direction of travel of the thread or yarn over each of the deflecting and frictional surfaces is the same and always amounts to a deflection anglea.

FIG. 4 should also be viewed together with FIG. 3 as it shows the same device from bottom plan. It will be seen from these figures that the frictional rubbing and contact surface 20 is formed by an anular array of radial comb like teeth, such as would appear to be in the nature of gear teeth, arranged so that they lie in planes passing through the axis of the insert or tubular piece itself but extend parallel to each other concentrically and radially thereabout. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the portion of head behind the annular band of teeth is cut away so that a concentric row of radial teeth 24 are formed having a direction along their axes in a substantially perpendicular plane to the axis of the tube or insert.

FIG. 5 shows a thread outlet tube which may be inserted wholely within a hole, coaxially aligned with the rotating spinning chamber. The device here comprises an elongated tube 26 having insert pieces or caps 28 and 30 at each end respectively. Both of the inserts 28 and 30 are provided with toothed frictional rubbing edges 32 and 34 respectively each of which lies between a pair of smooth sharp deflecting edges 36, 38 and 40, 42 respectively. As will be seen in this figure, by the dot-dash line a, and the dash line b, the double ended tube enables the thread to be withdrawn at least in two ways. The thread may be withdrawn by passing it only over the deflecting and comb rubbingedges 34, 40 and 42 of the inner end insert 30 and out the cneter of the tube 26 as seen by line a, or secondly by passing the thread also over the deflecting and rubbing edges of the outer insert 28 as seen by line b.

FIG. 6 shows the device of FIG. 5 applied to a conventional spinning apparatus which briefly comprises a shaft 44 on which a turbine or open end face spinning chamber 46 is mounted. The shaft 44 is journalled in an enclosed housing having a front face opposed to the spinning chamber through which a tubular inlet conduit 48 extends by which the fibers to be spun are supplied. Mounted within the front face, coaxial with the shaft 44 is the outlet tube 26 on the ends of which are mounted the removable inserts 28 and 30 all seen for example in FIG. 5. In addition a canopy or fiber baffle is interposed within the open end face of the turbine. In conventional manner, and as seen in FIG. 6, the fibers are spun along the walls of the chamber 46 by the centrifugal action and forces created, and are drawn off at an angle of nearly 90 through the tube 26. The thread as seen in FIG. 6 is drawn off across the deflecting and rubbing edges of both the upper and lower inserts 28 and 30. It may also be withdrawn in the manner indicated by line a in FIG. 5, in which event the upper or outer insert 28 may if desired by omitted entirely. Furthermore, it will be obvious that the insert devices seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 7 may be substituted for the insert devices 28 and 30 shown in FIG. 5.

As seen from FIG. 1, more than one comb frictional rubbing edge (18 and 20) may arranged in series with the deflecting edges. Any number may be chosen depending on the nature of the fibers to be spun and the degree of twist required. A plurality of such surfaces may be arranged to give the yarn a false twist of any type as desired. The inner end of the tube can be provided with one or more additional deflecting edges which will prevent swinging of the thread all the way to the wall of the spinning chamber; that is to the binding point.

While a separable or removable tubular device is shown it will be obvious that the present invention may be used with such apparatus as has only an outlet hole formed directly in the front wall.

In the preferred form of the invention the apparatus is embodied in a tubular construction wherein the frictional rubbing and deflecting zones are formed by a sequential array of annular bands or rings created within the interior bore of the tube, with at least one deflecting zone immeadiately following the frictional rubbing surfaces on the far side of the outlet hole or tube as well as at the end near the spinning chamber. In such an arrangement the transmission of the thread swing or oscillation on the withdrawn thread is also prevented and further enhances the dampening or block of the thread swing back to the spinning chamber.

The number and arrangment of the deflecting zones and the rubbing zones may vary and be increase as desired provided however that smooth deflecting zones preceed and follow the frictional rubbing zones. Preferably, the distances between individual deflecting and frictional rubbing zones, wherein the false twisting is accomplished should be held as short as possible so that no oscillation or vibration is possible between these points. Furthermore, it is intened that the zones be uniformly spaced from each other so that the generation or production of the twist be uniformly apportioned over a plurality of zones, particularly, the frictional rubbing zones.'ln this manner any stress impressed on the thread is uniformly placed and consequently higher pull-off speeds of the thread can be obtained. Further, it is preferred that the zones be arranged so that the thread travels in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the outlet hole or tube and that the thread takes a linearly formed longitudinal direction. Particular advantage is obtained by the present invention in that individual series of frictional rubbing zones and deflecting zonesmay be made having different diameters or sizes respectively. In this manner the twists and pulloffs can be made for varying thread composition and thickness.

Preferably, the rubbing zones are formed of annular rings of uniformly spaced teeth each of which lie parallel to the axis of the hole or tube. The surfaces may be conically shaped, slanted or curved to provide a transition from the deflecting zones on either side. A particular advantage is obtained by arranging the teeth in an axis perpendicular to the axis of the outlet tube.

Preferably, the deflecting and frictional rubbing zones are created as small units adapted to be used as inserts at the end of the outlet holes or tubes. Thus, the inserts may be interchanged with others providing selective ability to chose the best one for the most efficient and economical spinning, of any particular fiber.

Various modifications and embodiments have been shown. Others will be obvious to those skilled in this art. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure be taken as illustrative only and not as limiting of the present invention.

The application is a companion to and relates to apparatus shown and described in each of the following U. S. applications, all filed on even date hereof and reference is made to the specifications, claims and drawings of each and their disclosures incorporated herein, as if more fully set out herein:

Ser. No. 264,528 corres. to German Appln. P 21 30 739.1, Wilhelm Braun, Mounting Apparatus for Spinning Assembly Ser. No. 264,530 corres. to German Appln. P 21 30 738.0, Gerhard Bartling, Device for Open End Spinning Ser. No. 264,531 corres. to German Appln. P 21 30 724.4, Rudolf Schon Apparatus for Withdrawing Thread Ser. No. 264,450 corres. to German Appln. P 21 30 725.5, Gerhard Bartling, Spindleless Spinning Machines Ser. No. 264,527 corres. to German Appln. P 21 30 690.1, Gerhard Bartling, Method and Apparatus for Joining Broken Ends The German applications were all filed on June 21, 1971. The assignee is common to all.

What is claimed:

1. Apparatus for spinning textile fibers in a spindleless spinning device having an open face spinning turbine and a coaxially arranged outlet for withdrawing thread, said outlet being provided at its end adjacent the spinning chamber, with means having a sequential array, in the direction of thread travel, of at least a first deflecting zone, a frictional rubbing zone and immediately thereafter at least one additional deflecting zone over which said thread passes.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 including at least one additional friction rubbing zone interposed between the first and the last of said additional deflecting zones.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means having said deflecting and rubbing zones is a tubular member insertable in said outlet, said zones being defined by annular bands formed in the surface of the inner bore of said tube.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the total change in the angle of deflection in the direction of travel of the thread is approximately uniformly proportioned over the individual deflecting and rubbing zones.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the deflecting and rubbing zones are arranged and/or constructed so that the thread touches them only along a substantially linear zone forming a contacting line rather than a contacting area.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the annular bands are of varying diameter.

7. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the frictional rubbing surfaces are formed of uniformly spaced teeth members.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the teeth members lie in an axis perpendicular to the axis of the tubular insert.

9. The apparatus according to claim 3 including an additional array or sequentially arranged deflecting and rubbing surfaces located at the end of the outlet opposite the spinning chamber.

10. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said tubular inserts are interchangeable. 

1. Apparatus for spinning textile fibers in a spindleless spinning device having an open face spinning turbine and a coaxially arranged outlet for withdrawing thread, said outlet being provided at its end adjacent the spinning chamber, with means having a sequential array, in the direction of thread travel, of at least a first deflecting zone, a frictional rubbing zone and immediately thereafter at least one additional deflecting zone over which said thread passes.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 including at least one additional friction rubBing zone interposed between the first and the last of said additional deflecting zones.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means having said deflecting and rubbing zones is a tubular member insertable in said outlet, said zones being defined by annular bands formed in the surface of the inner bore of said tube.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the total change in the angle of deflection in the direction of travel of the thread is approximately uniformly proportioned over the individual deflecting and rubbing zones.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the deflecting and rubbing zones are arranged and/or constructed so that the thread touches them only along a substantially linear zone forming a contacting line rather than a contacting area.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the annular bands are of varying diameter.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the frictional rubbing surfaces are formed of uniformly spaced teeth members.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the teeth members lie in an axis perpendicular to the axis of the tubular insert.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 3 including an additional array or sequentially arranged deflecting and rubbing surfaces located at the end of the outlet opposite the spinning chamber.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said tubular inserts are interchangeable. 